Chapter VII: Part 7

_Tigrídia_, a genus of Mexican bulbs belonging to _Monadelphia Triándria_, and produce the most beautiful flowers of the natural order of _Irideæ_. _T. pavònia_ is of the brightest scarlet, tinged and spotted with pure yellow. _T. conchiiflòra_, colour rich yellow, tinged and spotted with bright crimson. The colours are very rich, and purely contrasted. The corolla is about four inches in diameter, composed of six petals; the outer are reflexed, the flower of the largest, though splendid in beauty, exists only one day; but to compensate for that, a plant will produce flowers for several weeks; and where a bed of them can be collected, they will bloom in profusion from July to September. They like a light rich free soil. Lift the bulbs in October, and preserve them as directed in that month for _Tuberoses_. Be sure that they be kept dry, and secure from frost. A bed of these should be in every garden. A writer says, "it is the most beautiful flower that is cultivated." Plant them about the end of this or first of next month; if in beds keep them one foot apart each way.

WALKS.

The walks in general should be put in the neatest order during this month. Little requires to be added to the observations of last month, but if these have not been executed, fail not to have it done the first opportunity, choosing dry weather for the operation of _turning_ the old or adding new gravel to them, levelling, raking, and rolling neatly as you proceed. Always after rain give the whole of the gravel walks a good rolling. This being frequently done during the early part of the season, will be a saving of much labour and time through the summer. The walks having a firm surface, the growth of weeds will be retarded, and the heavy rains will not be so apt to injure them. Where there are any pretensions to keeping these in order, they ought to be picked of weeds and litter once a week, and gone over with the roller at least once every two weeks during the season.

Sweep and divest the grass walks of all worm casts, litter, &c. cutting the edgings neatly. Mow the grass every two weeks from this time to October, sweeping off the grass clean each time, and give frequent rollings to keep the surface smooth. If any require to be laid with turf, delay it no longer. For directions see last month. The above observations on walks in general, will apply through the season; therefore we will not repeat this subject until October.

EVERGREEN HEDGES.

We have previously observed, under the head of Evergreens, that this is the best season for their replanting. We cannot pass over the observations of this month, without having reference to evergreen hedges, so much neglected amongst us, and yet so important to the diversity of aspect, and especially to soften a little the gloomy appearance of our winters. There are three indigenous shrubs, and at least one exotic, that are well adapted for the purpose, viz, _Pìnus canadénsis_, Hemlock-spruce; _Thùja occidentàlis_, American arbor-vitæ; and _Juníperis virginiána_, Red cedar. These are natives, and the two former are admirably adapted for the purpose. Where there is to be a hedge of any of these planted, select plants about two feet high; lift them carefully, preserving the roots as much as possible. Dig a trench from one and a half to two feet wide, and from one to one foot and a half deep. This will admit the soil about the roots to be well broken, which must be done in planting. Keep the plants in the centre of the trench, mixing the shortest and the tallest, that it may be of one height, putting the earth close about their roots as you proceed, and make it firm with the foot; fill up, and water as directed for evergreens in this month. If the season is very dry, give it frequent copious waterings.

None of them should be topped for a few seasons, except such as are much above the others in height, keeping the sides regular and even by clipping or shearing once a year, either in this month or at the end of August. It is better to keep the top (when they have got to the desired height) pointed, than broad. The latter method retains a heavy weight of snow, which frequently breaks down, or otherwise deforms, that which has cost much labour to put into shape.

BOX EDGINGS.

Where these have not been laid, this month is the proper time. Do not delay the planting of such any later. For ample directions see _March_ under this head. Clipping of those should be done about the middle of this month. There will then be no danger of frosts to brown the cut leaves, and the young foliage will not be expanded. To keep these edgings in order, they must be cut once a year, and never be allowed to get above four inches high, and two inches wide. What we consider the neatest edging is three inches high, two inches wide at the bottom, tapering to a thin edge at the top. It is very unsightly to see large bushy edgings, especially to narrow walks.

The use of edgings is to keep the soil from the gravel, and the larger they are allowed to grow the more ineffectual they become; growing more open below as they advance in height. The operation may be done very expeditiously by clipping the tops level, going longitudinally along with shears for the purpose, called "box shears." Strain a line along the centre of the edgings, cutting perpendicularly from the line to the bottom on each side, leaving only the breadth of the line at top. Edgings, cut in this manner, every spring will always look well, and the trouble, comparatively, is a mere trifle.

GRASS PLATS, &c.

If these have not been laid down where wanted, delay it no longer, for which see directions in _March_; and where these are desired to be kept in order, they should be mown every two or three weeks at farthest; from this month to October when cut, the grass should be clean swept off, and the edgings, if out of order, adjusted. To mention this subject again will be only a repetition, therefore we will let this suffice.

GENERAL CARE OF PLANTS COMING INTO FLOWER.

Every part of the flower ground should be put into neat order, giving such plants about the borders as are shooting up their flower stems, and are tender, and in danger of being hurt or broken by the wind, proper sticks or rods for their support. In doing this, endeavour to conceal the rods, &c. as much as possible, by dressing the stems and leaves in a natural looking manner over them. Let the stakes be in proportion to the heighth and growth of the plants. It looks very unsightly to see strong stakes to short and weak growing plants. The tyings likewise should be proportionate.

Examine all the beds and patches of seedling flowers now coming up, and let them be refreshed with water as it may be necessary, and pick out the weeds as they appear.

We cannot leave this department at this season of the year, without enforcing the benefit and beauty that will result from keeping the weeds down during this and next month. Therefore strictly observe that there are none running to seed in any part of the garden; in fact, they ought not to be allowed to rear their heads above one day in sight.

=Rooms.=

_APRIL._

We remarked last month, that about this season, where it is convenient, an eastern window is more congenial to plants than a southern. The sun becomes too powerful, and the morning sun is preferable to that of the afternoon. West is also preferable to south. Some keep their plants in excellent order at a north window. But the weather is so mild after this, that there is no difficulty in protecting and growing plants in rooms. They generally suffer most from want of air and water; the window must be up a few inches, or altogether, according to the mildness of the day. And as plants are more liable to get covered with dust in rooms than in any other department, and not so convenient to be syringed or otherwise cleaned, take the first opportunity of a mild day to carry them to a shady situation, and syringe such as are not in flower well with water; or for want of a syringe take a watering-pot with a rose upon it: allowing them to stand until they drip, when they may be put into their respective situations.

DIRECTIONS FOR PLANTS BROUGHT FROM THE GREEN-HOUSE.

Any plants that are brought from the Green-house during the spring months ought to be as little exposed to the direct rays of the sun as possible. Keep them in airy situations, with plenty of light, giving frequent and liberal supplies of water. Plants may be often observed through our city during this month fully exposed in the outside of a south window, with the blaze of a mid-day sun upon them, and these too just come from the temperate and damp atmosphere of a well regulated Green-house. Being thus placed in an arid situation, scorched between the glass and the sun whose heat is too powerful for them to withstand, the transition being so sudden, that, however great their beauties may have appeared, they in a few days become brown, the flowers tarnished or decayed, and the failure generally attributed to individuals not at all concerned. From this and similar causes many have drawn the unjust conclusion, viz. that "plants from Green-houses are of too delicate a nature to be exposed in rooms or windows at this early season." But every year gives more and more proof to the contrary. There are ladies in Philadelphia, and those not a few, whose rooms and windows at this period vie with the finest of our Green-houses, with respect to the health, beauty and order of their plants, and we might almost say in variety. Some of them have got above eight kinds of Camellias in their collections, which afford a continual beauty through the winter, with many other desirable and equally valuable plants. Exposure to the sun, and want of water, are the general cause of failures at this period. We have spoken so minutely and so frequently on these two subjects, that we think more repetition unnecessary. The plants generally are growing pretty freely by this time, and are not so liable to suffer from liberal supplies of water, observing never to give it until the soil in the pot is inclining to become dry, and administering it always in the evenings.

FLOWERING PLANTS.

Our directions last month under this head will equally apply now. The China _roses_ that are now coming plentifully in flower should be kept near the light, and in airy exposures, to brighten their colours, otherwise they will be very pale and sickly. _Geraniums_ too ought to have the like treatment.

BRINGING PLANTS OUT OF THE CELLAR, &c.

All or most of the plants that have been in the cellar during winter, such as _Pomegranates_, _Lagerstræmias_, _Hydrángeas_, _Oleanders_, _Sweet-bay_, _&c._ may be brought out to the open air any time about the middle of the month. If any of them stand in need of larger pots or tubs, have them turned out, the balls reduced, and put them in others a little larger; or where convenient they may be planted in the ground, except _Oleanders_, which do best to be a little confined. Be sure to keep the _Hydrángeas_ in shady situations. It will not be advisable to expose entirely the Orange and Lemon trees, until the end of this or first of next month. Where there are any scale or foulness of any kind collected on the foliage or wood, have them cleaned directly before the heat increases the one, and to get clear of the disagreeable appearance of the other.

=Hot-House.=

_MAY._

Very few directions for this department remain to be given; except for shifting plants, and a few observations on those that are most desirable for the Hot-house; which we will do in this month, considering May and June the best months of the year for that operation.

The days and nights will be very mild by this time, and the sashes in every favourable day should be opened both in front and top, so that the plants may be enured to the open air, which they will be exposed to by the end of the month, Leave in the beginning of the month the top sashes a little open every mild night, and gradually as the heat increases leave the front sashes and doors open. Continue to syringe them at least every alternate night, and if possible every night; and give them all, according to their respective wants, liberal supplies of water every day. Absorption amongst Hot-house plants is as great during this month as in any period of the year.

OF REPOTTING PLANTS, &c.

It is our candid opinion that this and next month are the best periods for shifting or repotting all or most of Hot-house plants. The end of August being the time always adopted around Philadelphia for that operation (and then they are done indiscriminately,) we will assign a few reasons for our practice.

_First_, that it is not congenial to the nature of these plants to have their roots surrounded with fresh soil, when they are becoming inactive; _secondly_, that there is not a sufficiency of heat naturally to quicken them to an active state when they are encouraged; and _thirdly_, being thus in new soil while dormant, they have a yellow and sickly aspect until they begin to grow; and the foliage thus deprived of its natural vigour will not appear so healthful again. Whereas, if they are shifted or repotted in this or next month, at which season they are between two stages of growth, they immediately, on receiving fresh assistance, and by the increasing heat of the summer, make new growths, are perfectly ripened before the approach of winter, and never lose that verdureal appearance they have attained. These are our reasons acquired from a close practice and observation, and are not influenced by the doings of others which are so much aside. No practical operator especially, nor in fact any individual, ought to be governed by custom in regard to the treatment of plants, without having an idea as to why and wherefore, founded on the principles of nature, and governed by her unerring results.

As many are desirous of having a knowledge of plants, before they order them, and likewise which are the finest flowerers and their general character, especially those who are at a great distance, and seldom have the privilege of seeing what is most desirable, our descriptions will be limited, and simply such as are given for the Green-house in March.

_Acàcias._ Several of these are desirable in the Hot-house, for the grandeur of their foliage, beauty of flower, and a few of them as specimens of valuable medicinal plants. _A. Houstóni_, now _Anneslèia Houstóni_, is one of the most magnificent of the _Mimòsa_ tribe, blooming from August to November in large terminale spikes, of a crimson colour, stamens very long, and beautiful; leaves bipinnated in pairs. _A. grandiflòra_, likewise given to _Anneslèia_, and similar to the former in colour; has very large compound bipinnate leaves, with from twenty to forty pairs. _A. Catèchu_, flowers yellow, wood spiny, leaves bipinnated, about ten pairs. The inner wood of this tree is of a brown colour, from which the _Catèchu_ used in medicine is prepared. It is disputed whether _A. Véra_, or _A. Arábica_ produces the gum Arabic. We are inclined to think it is the latter, which grows principally on the Atlas mountains. The gum exudes spontaneously from the bark of the tree in a soft half fluid state. There are many others of this genus belonging to the Hot-house, but being shy in flowering, are not generally esteemed. Most of the flowers have the appearance of yellow balls of down, and are hermaphrodite. The pots should all be well drained.

_Aloe._ These grotesque looking succulent plants are principally natives of the Cape of Good Hope, and consequently will do well in the warmest part of the Green-house, although when convenient, they frequently get a situation in the Hot-house. It is not requisite, except for _A. vulgàris_, known as _A. barbadénsis_; which has orange yellow flowers; _A. oblíqua_, now called _Gastèria oblíqua_; _A. dichótoma_; and _A. lineàta_, which is perhaps the finest of the genus. The leaves are beautifully striped, with red spines, flowers scarlet and green. These are the only ones that actually need heat during winter. They ought to have very little water, once a month is sufficient. They would grow without it, and several of them would also grow by being suspended in the house, without earth or any substitute about their roots, by being frequently sprinkled with water.

Few of them are admired for the beauty of their flowers, but the whole are considered curious. They flower from May to September.

_Ardísias_, about eighteen species. Plants highly esteemed for the beauty of their foliage, flowers, and berries. The most popular in our collections is _A. crenulàta_. It has rose coloured star-like flowers, in terminale panicles, and produces beautiful small red berries, which continue until other berries are produced the following year, and frequently there may be seen on one plant, the berries of three successive years, thus being a very ornamental plant and very desirable. It is vulgarly called the Dwarf ever-bearing cherry. It will keep in a good Green-house, but not grow freely. _A. solanàcea_ has large oblong leaves, narrowed at each end, and bears purple berries; _A. élegans_ has entire, oblong, shining leaves; _A. umbellàta_, once _A. littoràlis_, is the finest of the genus for abundance of flower and beauty of foliage. The flowers are pink, in large decompound panicles, the leaves the largest of all the species, oblong, wedge shaped, nearly sessile, entire, smooth, and reflexed. They are all evergreens, and the pots should be well drained. They are natives of the East Indies, and delight in a high temperature.

_Aristolochias_, Birth-wort. There are several of these belonging to the Hot-house, but none of them deserving particular observation, except _A. labiosa_. The leaves are reniform, roundish, cordate, and amplexicaule; the flower or corolla is of a curious construction, being incurved, and at the base swelled or saccate with a large lip, and all beautifully spotted; colour greenish brown. It is a climbing plant, and requires a strong heat.

_Astrap[oe]as_, three species. _A. Wallichii_ is a celebrated plant in Europe, and a few specimens of it are in this country. It has scarlet unbellated flowers, with an involucre, has twenty-five stamens united into a tube, bearing the corolla with five petals; leaves roundish, cordate, accuminate, very large with persistent, ovate wavy stipules. The plant is of easy culture, and grows freely, wood very strong.

_Areca_, Cabbage-tree, ten species. They are a kind of palms, with large pinnated leaves, or properly fronds. In their indigenous state they are from six to forty feet high, but in the Hot-house they seldom exceed twenty feet. _A. catechu_ is used in medicine. _A. olerácea_ is cultivated extensively in the West Indies, and the tender part of the top is eaten by the natives. _A. montana_ is most frequent in collections. There is no particular beauty in the flowers. They are all easily grown, if plenty of heat be given.

_Brunsvigias_ are all large bulbs from the Cape of Good Hope, and will keep in the Green-house during winter, but are better where they can obtain a situation in the Hot-house. It is a splendid genus, containing about ten species. Some of the bulbs grow to an enormous size, and all of them while growing require a liberal supply of water; but when dormant it must be wholly withheld, and they should have large pots to make them grow and flower in perfection. _B. multiflora_, flowers scarlet and green; the leaves lay on the surface of the pot. _B. latìcoma_, flowers pale purple. _B. Josephinæ_ has splendid rose coloured flowers, and is the most admired species of the genus: the foliage spreading, half erect, and glacous; flowers numerous, and in large umbels, on a stem two feet high, blooming successively; there is a variety that has striped flowers.

Several other species have been given to different genera. _B. falcata_ is now _Ammocharis falcata_; _B. marginata_, now _Imhofia_; and _B. cilliaris_, is now _Buphone cilliaris_. They all flower in umbels, on stems from six inches to two feet; flowers lily-like with six petals.

_Bambusa_, Bamboo-cane, two species. Plants of very strong growth, and are used in the East Indies, where they are indigenous, for every purpose in the construction of huts, for furniture both domestic and rural, for fences, boats, boxes, paper, &c. It is frequently used as pipes to convey water. The species thus useful, is _B. arundinacea_, which grows to a great height. We do not mention it as interesting in beauty, but as a valuable plant, for the many useful purposes to which it is applied. It requires to be kept wet.

_Banistèrias_, a genus of about fourteen climbing evergreen plants. Three of them are esteemed. _B. fúlgens_, yellow flowers in racemose spikes, leaves subovate, and downy beneath. _B. Chrisophylla_ has beautiful foliage, as if covered with a shining gold coloured dust; leaves large, oblong, acute. _B. splèndens_, flowers in spikes of a yellow colour; foliage large and silvery like; the pots should be well drained.

_Barringtònias_, two species. _B. speciòsa_ has produced a great excitement amongst cultivators, and is one of the handsomest plants produced within the tropics. The leaves are large, oblong, acute, shining, with fleshy nerves, tinged with red; the flowers are large, full of stamens with four petals, opens in the evening and fades at sunrise; colour purple and white; grows freely in strong heat.

_Brôwneas_, five species of splendid plants, but scarce in collections. _B. coccínea_ has scarlet flowers in pendulous bunches, corolla semi-double, foliage bipinnate, in three pairs. _B. ròsa_, mountain rose of Trinidad. _B. grandicéps_ is the finest of the genus, leaves bipinnated; leaflets cordate, accuminate, downy and pendulous, flowers rose colour, in large close heads. Drain the pots well.

_Calathèa zebrìna_, frequently known as _Maránta zebrìna_, and now _Phrynum zebrìnum_, is a plant unique in its appearance. The large elongated ovate leaves are beautifully striped with green and dark purple, and called _Zebra plant_. It has light blue flowers in ovate spikes, about the size of large pine cones. It is a herbaceous plant; but in the warmest part of the Hot-house retains its splendid foliage; requires a very liberal supply of water, and ought to be in every collection.

_Cánnas_, about thirty species, several of them deserving cultivation both for flower and foliage; they are principally natives of the West Indies, and might all be easily obtained. The finest are _C. gigántea_, has large leaves and orange flowers; _C. limbàta_, flowers scarlet and yellow; _C. díscolor_, has large cordate, accuminate leaves of a crimson colour, the flowers are scarlet; _C. iridiflòra_, has large crimson nodding flowers, very different from any of the others, and the finest of the genus. They all, while in a growing state, require a liberal supply of water; and being herbaceous plants watering ought to be given up about the first of November, and renewed about the first of January, thus giving them a cessation which they require to flower freely; but when water is constantly given, which is the general plan in our collections, they continue to push weak shoots and few flowers.

_Cáctus._ This extensive genus is curious, grotesque, interesting, and varied in character and habit; is now divided into six distinct genera according to their natural appearance and habit. We will describe a few of each genus, none of which going under the name of _Cáctus_, we will give them the six following.

_Mamillàrias_, above twenty species, and are those which are covered with roundish bearded tubercles, and with small red and white flowers. _M. coccínea_; _M. simplex_; _M. pusílla_, and _M. cònica_, are good species, and will do well with water five or six times during summer.

_Melocáctus_, seven species, and are those that are roundish with deep and many angles, with spines in clusters on the top of the angle. _M. commùnis_, is the Turk's cap, named from having an ovate conate crown upon the top, from which proceed the small red flowers.

_M. macránthus_, has large spines; _M. pyramidàlis_, is a conical growing species. These require the same treatment as the last.

_Echinocáctus_, about twenty species; are those that have many deep angles, and have a remarkable swelling, with each parcel of spines; _E. gibbòsus_; _E. crispàtus_; _E. recúrvus_; are curious in appearance, with small white and purple flowers. These three genera in most collections are not well known specifically, but it is easy to discriminate which genus they are connected with.

_Cèreus._ This is the most magnificent genus with regard to the magnitude and beauty of the flowers, but not so closely allied. It takes in all those of a trailing or erect growing habit, having spines in clusters, solitary, or spineless. _C. peruviànus_ and _C. heptagònus_, grow very erect, and to the height of thirty or forty feet in Peru and Mexico, where they plant them close together as fences, and they are in a few years impenetrable. _C. flagellifórmus_ is a well known creeping free flowering species, has ten angles; will keep in a good Green-house, and produce in May and June a great number of blooms. The petals are of a fine pink and red colour; the tube of the flower is long, and will stand a few days in perfection, when others come out successively for the space of two months, and during their continuance make a brilliant appearance. _C. grandiflòrus_ is the celebrated "Night-blooming Cereus." The flowers are very large, beautiful, and sweet-scented. They begin to open about sun-down, and are fully expanded about eleven o'clock. The corolla, or rather calyx, is from seven to ten inches in diameter, the outside of which is a brown, and the inside a fine straw yellow colour; the petals are of the purest white, with the stamens surrounding the stile in the centre of the flower, which add to its lustre, and make it appear like a bright star. Its scent is agreeable, and perfumes the air to a considerable distance; but these beauties are of momentary duration. By sunrise they fade, and hang down quite decayed, and never open again.[E] One of these ought to be in every collection, and if trained up a naked wall will not occupy much room, and grow and flower profusely. They need very little water. C. _speciosíssimus_ has most beautiful large flowers, about six inches diameter; the outside petals are a bright scarlet, those of the inside a fine light purple. One flower lasts a few days, and a large plant will produce every year from ten to twenty flowers, blooming from May to August. It has flowered in some of our collections, and is highly esteemed. _C. triangulàris_ has the largest flower of the _Cacteæ_ family; the bloom is of a cream colour, and about one foot in diameter. In its indigenous state, it produces a fine fruit called "Strawberry Pear," and is much esteemed in the West Indies as being slightly acid, and at the same time sweet, pleasant, and cooling. It seldom flowers. C. _phyllanthoídes_, once _Cáctus speciósus_, is one of the most profuse in flowering; the branches are ensate, compressed, and obovate, without spines; flowers of a pink colour, about four inches in diameter; the stamens as long as the corolla, with white anthers. It will keep well in a Green-house or Room. If in either of the two latter, give water only a few times during winter. This is becoming a very popular plant. C. _Jenkinsòni_ is a magnificent hybrid from C. _speciosíssimus_. The flowers are equally as large, and of a brilliant scarlet colour, with a profusion of pure white anthers; is greatly admired, and is only in a few collections. C. _Ackermánni_ is very similar to C. _phyllanthoídes_, flowering equally as profusely, the colour a bright scarlet, and the scarcest species of the genus that is worthy of notice. C. _truncàtus_, branches truncated, flowers deep scarlet and tubular, from two to three inches in diameter; the stamens protrude from the corolla; the plant is of a dwarf growth and branched; when in flower it is quite a picture. It is said that there are free and shy flowering varieties of this species, but we doubt it; perhaps it is owing to the cultivation and soil.

[E] They may be preserved if cut off when in perfection, and put in spirits of wine, in a chrystal vase, made air tight. A plant flowered in our collection in May 1830, at 12 o'clock at noon--the only instance of the kind we ever heard of.

_Opúntias_, about forty species, and are those whose branches are in joints flatly oblong, or ovate, spines solitary, or in clusters. The plants are not so desirable for beauty of flower as the species of the former genus, but many of them are remarkable for their strong grotesque and spiny appearance; besides several of the species are extensively cultivated for the Cochineal insect. The one most valued for that purpose, is _O. cochiníllifera_, which has only small clusters of bristles upon the oblong ovate joints, and produces small red flowers; C. _ficus índica_, is also used, but is very spiny.

_Peréskias._ About four species, and those that are of a shrubby nature producing leaves; _P. aculeàta_ bears a fruit called "Barbadoes-gooseberry." The flowers are very small and simple, spines about half an inch long, leaves fleshy and elliptical.

The whole of the plants in the family of _Cacteæ_ require very little water, and delight in a dry warm situation. They do not agree with frequent repotting; once in two or three years to young plants, and in five or six to those that are established, with the exception of the large, free flowering species, which should be repotted once in two years.

_Coffèa Arábica._ It produces the celebrated coffee, and is a plant universally known in our collections, and of easy culture. The leaves are opposite, oblong, wavy and shining, the flowers white, of a grateful odour, but of short duration. There is a plant known as C. _occidentalis_, which is now _Tetramèrium odoratíssimum_. It requires a great heat to grow well, therefore should be kept in the warmest part of the Hot-house. The flowers are white, in panicles, and larger than the common jasmine, and is very sweet-scented; leaves oblong, lanceolate, accuminate.

_Callicárpas._ About twelve species, and are generally admitted into collections, though of no particular interest or beauty, except in the bright purple berries they produce, which is rarely. The foliage is of a rugose, hoary appearance.

_Carolíneas._ About six species of tender plants, with large digitate leaves, and of handsome growth. The flowers have numerous filaments, and are large and singular. C. _insígnis_ has the largest and compactest blossoms; C. _àlba_ is the only one of the genus that has white flowers, all the others being red; C. _prínceps_ and C. _robústa_ are noble looking species, and are much esteemed. They require a good heat, with which they will grow freely.

_Caryòtas._ A genus of palms. C. _ùrens_ is an admired species, produces flowers in long pendulous spikes, which are succeeded by strings of succulent globular berries. In its native state it produces a sweet liquor in large quantities, and no stronger than water.

_Coccolòbas_, Sea-side grape. This genus is admired for its beautiful large foliage, which is oblong ovate, and cordate ovate; C. _pubéscens_ and C. _latifòlia_ are the finest species. They bear berries in clusters like the grape, but never come to perfection in artificial cultivation.

_Cùphea Melvílla_, is the only species of the genus that is particularly deserving of a situation, has lanceolate scabrous leaves, narrowed at each end, flowers tubular in a terminale whorl, colour scarlet and green. The plant must be well drained. It will flower from May to September.

_Cròtons._ About twenty-eight species, few of them deserving cultivation; but the genus is celebrated for its beautiful C. _pìctus_, leaves oblong-lanceolate, variegated with yellow, and stained with red, flowers small green, on axillary spikes. C. _variagàtus_, variety _latifòlia_, is finer than the original _variagàtus_, the nerves in the leaves are yellow, and the leaves lanceolate, entire and smooth. To make them grow freely, give the warmest part of the Hot-house, and drain the pots well.

_Cérberas._ About twelve species of strong growing trees, full of poisonous juice. C. _thevètia_ is an elegant plant, with accumulate leaves, and large, nodding, yellow, solitary, fragrant flowers, proceeding from the axil; C. _ahoùai_ produces a nut which is deadly poison. C. _odàllam_, once C. _mànghas_, has large star-like flowers, white, shaded with red. They are principally East India plants, and require great heat.

_Cycas_, four species, generally called _Sago palm_, as an English name. The plant that _Sago_ is extracted from, belongs to another genus, (see _Sàgus_.) C. _revolùta_ is a well known palm, and will keep perfectly well in the Green-house. We have seen a beautiful specimen of it which is kept every winter in the cellar, but those that are kept so cool in winter only grow every alternate year, while those that are kept in the Hot-house grow every year, which shows that heat is their element. C. _circinàlis_ is a large growing species; the fronds are much longer, but not so close and thick. C. _glaùca_ is a fine species; the foliage is slightly glaucous. They require plenty of pot room, are much infested with the small white scaly insect, and ought to be frequently examined and carefully washed as prescribed in January.

_Combrètums._ Nine species of beautiful flowering climbing plants, standing in very high estimation. The leaves of the principal part of them are ovate, acute, flowers small but on large branches, the flowers all coming out on one side of the branch. They have a magnificent effect. _C. èlegans_, red; _C. formòsum_, red and yellow; _C. pulchéllum_, scarlet; _C. comòsum_ has crimson flowers in tufts; _C. purpùreum_ is the most splendid of the genus. It was first cultivated in 1818, and so much admired, that the whole of the species as soon as introduced, was extravagantly bought up, and none of them has retained their character, except _C. purpùreum_, which is now called _Poívrea coccínea_. The flowers are bright scarlet, in large branches, blooming profusely from April to September, and flower best in a pot. When planted in the ground it grows too much to wood, carrying few flowers. This plant ought to be in every Hot-house.

_Cràssula._ This genus has no plants in it attractive in beauty. Several beautiful plants in our collections belong to _Ròchea_ and _Kalosánthus_. There is a strong growing succulent plant, known in our collections as _C. falcàta_, which is _R. falcàta_. It seldom flowers; the minor variety blooms profusely every year from May to August, and has showy scarlet flowers in terminale panicles. The plants known as _C. coccínea_ and _C. versícolor_ are now given to the genus _Kalosánthus_. The flowers of the former are like scarlet wax, terminale and sessile; _K. odoratíssima_ has yellow terminale sweet-scented flowers. They require very little water, only a few times in winter, and about twice a week in summer; they are all desirable plants.

_Córyphas_, (Large fan Palm,) five species of the most noble and magnificent of palms. _C. ambraculífera_, the fronds or leaves are palmate; in Ceylon, where the tree is indigenous, they are frequently found fifteen feet wide and twenty feet long. Knox says they will cover from fifteen to twenty men, and when dried will fold up in the shape of a rod, and can be easily carried about, and serve to protect them from the scorching sun. _C. talièra_, now _Talièra bengalénsis_, being stronger, is of great utility for covering houses. They do not grow to such immense extent in artificial cultivation, but require large houses to grow them.

_Crìnums_, about one hundred species, chiefly stove bulbs, many of them beautiful. Those that are of great celebrity are _C. cruéntum_, colour red; _C. scàbrum_, crimson and white; _C. amàbile_, purple and white; the neck of the bulb of the latter is long and easily distinguished from its purplish colour, and is considered the finest of the genus. Several specimens of it are in our collections. Their flowers are in umbels, on a stalk from one to three feet high; corolla funnel shaped; petals recurved. They require large pots to make them flower well, and when growing to be liberally supplied with water.

_Cyrtànthus_, a genus of Cape bulbs, containing nine species, and will do very well in the Green-house, but we find the assistance of the Hot-house a great advantage. They are closely allied to _Crìnum_. The tubes of the flowers are long and round, with various shades of orange, yellow, red, and green. _C. odòrus_, _C. striátus_, _C. oblíquus_, and _C. vittàtus_, are the finest. When the bulbs are dormant, which will be from October to January, they should not get any water; before they begin to grow, turn the bulb out of the old earth, repotting it immediately. At this time they should be potted with the balls of earth entire, which will cause them to flower stronger.

_Caryophyllus aromáticus_, is the only species, and the tree that produces cloves. The whole plant is aromatic, and closely allied to _Myrtus_; the flowers are in loose panicles, the leaves oblong, accuminate, entire. It is a fine evergreen. Pots must be well drained.

_Dillènias_, three species of fine plants, with beautiful foliage. _D. speciòsa_ has produced considerable excitement in our collections. The leaves are elliptic, oblong, simply serrated, nerves deep; the flower is white, with five bold petals, centre filled with barren anthers; it has not been known to flower in America. _D. scándens_ has ovate, simply serrated leaves, but is not known as to flower; it is a fine climber.

_Dracænas_, Dragon-tree, about twelve species of Asiatic plants, varied in character. _D. férrea_ is plentiful in our collections, and will keep in the Green-house; but the foliage is not so well retained as when kept in the Hot-house; the leaves are lanceolate, acute, of a dark purple colour. _D. fràgrans_, when in bloom, will scent the air for a considerable distance, leaves green and lanceolate. _D. marginàta_ is rare, yet it is to be seen in a few of our collections. _D. strícta_ is now _Charlwòodia_[F] _strícta_, flowers blush and in loose panicles. _D. Dráco_ is admired, and the most conspicuous of the genus.

[F] In honour of Mr. Charlwood, an extensive seedsman of London, who has made several botanical excursions on this continent.

_Eránthemums_, about ten species. _E. pulchéllum_ and _E. bícolor_ are the finest of the genus; the former is in our collections, but miserably treated. The soil in which it is grown is too stiff and loamy, and it seldom gets enough of heat. The latter is indispensable to make it flower in perfection; therefore it should have the warmest part of the house, and it will produce flowers of a fine blue colour from January to September. The flowers of the latter are white and dark purple, with a few brown spots in the white; blooms from April to August. Drain the pots well, and give the plants little sun during summer.

_Eugènias_, about thirty species, esteemed for their handsome evergreen foliage. This genus once contained a few celebrated species, which have been divided. (See _Jambòsa_.) The Allspice tree, known as _Myrtus Piménta_, is now _E. Piménta_; the leaves are ovate, lanceolate, and when broken have an agreeable scent. There are several varieties all of the same spicy fragrance. The plant is in very few of our collections. _E. fràgrans_ is sweet scented; the flowers are on axillary peduncles; leaves ovate, obtuse.

_Euphórbia_ (spurg), a genus of plants disseminated over every quarter of the globe; a few are beautiful, many grotesque, and several the most worthless weeds on the earth. There are about two hundred species, and from all of them, when probed, a thick milky fluid exudes. Those of the tropics are the most curious, and very similar in appearance to _Cáctus_, but easily detected by the above perforation. There is a magnificent species in our collections, which was lately introduced from Mexico.[G] It goes under the name of _E. heterophylla_. The flowers of the whole genus are apetalous, and the beauty is in the bracteæ; of the species alluded to the bracteæ is bright crimson, very persistent, and above six inches in diameter, when well grown. The plant requires a strong heat, or the foliage will become yellow and fall off. We question whether this species is nondescript or as above. It is a brilliant ornament to the Hot-house three fourths of the year, and always during winter, and should have a situation in every tropical collection.

[G] By Poinsett the American Consul for Mexico in 1828.

_Erythrìnas_ (Coral tree), a genus containing about thirty species of leguminose, scarlet-flowering plants. Several species are greatly esteemed for their beauty and profusion of flowers, which in well established plants are produced in long spikes at the end of the stems and branches. _E. Corallodéndrum_ blooms magnificently in the West Indies, but in our collections has never flowered. Perhaps if it was kept dry during its dormant season, which is from November to January, and when growing greatly encouraged, it might produce flowers. _E. speciòsa_ is a splendid flowerer, leaves large, ternated, and prickly beneath; stem prickly. _E. pubéscens_ is valued for its large peculiar brown pubescent leaves.

In regard to _E. herbàcea_, which is a native of the Carolinas, and frequently treated as a Hot-house plant, it is our opinion that it would be more perfectly grown if planted about the first of this month in the garden; and when growing, if well supplied with water, it would flower from July to September. About the first of November lift the roots and preserve them in half dry earth, in the same place with the _Dáhlias_. _E. laurifòlia_ and _E. crísta-gálli_ are likewise often treated as Hot-house plants, and in such situations they cast prematurely their first flowers, by the confined state of the air. They will keep in perfect preservation during winter in a dry cellar, half covered with earth, or entirely covered with half dry earth; consequently, the best and easiest method of treatment, is to plant them in the garden about the first of May, and when growing, if the ground becomes dry, give them frequent waterings. They will flower profusely three or four times in the course of summer.

We freely recommend the last species to all our patrons, confident that it will give ample satisfaction, both in profusion of flower and beauty of colour. The soil they are to be planted into should be according to that prescribed in the list; or if they are kept in pots, they must be enlarged three or four times, when they are in a growing state, to make them flower perfectly; otherwise they will be diminutive.

_Fìcus_, Fig-tree, a genus containing above fifty Hot-house species, besides several that belong to the Green-house; greatly admired for the beauty of their foliage. A few of them are deciduous, and all of the easiest culture. We have seen plants of _F. elástica_ hung in the back of the Hot-house, without the smallest particle of earth, their only support being sprinklings of water every day. _F. Brássii_ is the finest looking species that has come under our observation; the leaves are very large, shining, cordate, accuminate; nerves strong and white. As the beauty of these plants is entirely in the foliage and habit, we will select the best of them in the list to which we refer.

_Gærtnèra racemòsa_, is a large climbing woody shrub, with pinnated leaves, leaflets ovate, lanceolate, flowers white, five petaled, beautifully fringed; blooms in dense panicles. When the plants are allowed to climb, they do not flower freely; but if closely cut in, they will flower every year in great profusion, after the plants are well established. It is now called _Hiptàge Madablòta_.

_Geissomèria longiflòra._ This is a new genus, and closely allied to _Ruéllia_. The species alluded to, is a free flowerer, blooming from May to August, in close spikes of a scarlet colour; leaves opposite, ovate, elongate, and shining; the plants must be well drained, and in summer kept from the direct influence of the sun.

_Gardènias_, a genus containing about seventeen species, several of them very popular in our collections, going under the name of _Cape Jasmine_, which do well in the Green-house, (see _May_.) The species requiring this department, and deserving attention, are _G. campanulàta_, of a soft woody nature, with ovate, accuminate leaves; flowers of a straw colour, and solitary; _G. am[oe]na_, the flowers are white, tinged with crimson, terminale and solitary; _G. costàta_, admired for its beautiful ribbed foliage, _G. lùcida_ has a handsome, ovate, accuminate, shining foliage; flowers white and solitary. They require to have the pots well drained.

_Heritièra littóralis_, Looking-glass plant. This plant is unisexual, has beautiful large, ovate, veiny leaves; the flowers are small, red, with male and female on the same plant, but different flowers. It requires a strong heat, and plenty of pot room. How the English name becomes applicable to it, we are not acquainted.

_Hibíscus._ This genus affords many fine species and varieties of plants for the Hot-house, besides others for every department of the garden. The most popular in our collections for the Hot-house, is _H. Ròsa sinénsis_, with its varieties, which are magnificent, and flower profusely, from April to September. The single or original species is seldom seen in cultivation; the varieties are _H. Ròsa sinénsis rùbro plénus_, double red; _H. R. S. cárnea plènus_, double salmon; _H. R. S. variegàtus_, double striped; _H. R. S. flávo-plènus_, double buff; _H. R. S. lùtea plènus_, double yellow, or rather sulphur. The plants grow freely, and produce their flowers three or four inches of diameter, from the young wood; the leaves are ovate, accuminate, smooth, entire at the base and coarsely toothed at the end. All the varieties are of the same character, and highly deserving of a situation in every collection. There is said to be a double white variety, which we doubt; it is not in artificial cultivation. _H. mutàbilis flòre plèno_ is a splendid plant of strong growth, and will, when well established, flower abundantly, if the wood of last year is cut to within a few eyes of the wood of the previous year; the flowers are produced on the young wood, and come out a pale colour, and change to bright red, and about the size of a garden Provins rose; leaves downy, cordate, angular, five-lobed, accuminate, and slightly toothed. _H. lilliiflòrus_, is a new highly esteemed species; the flowers are various in colour, being pink, blush, red, purple, and striped. We have not seen it in flower, but had its character verbally, from a respectable cultivator. The leaves vary in character, but are generally cordate, crenate, accuminate; the petioles are brown, and the whole slightly hirsute; is deciduous, and requires to be kept in the warmest part of the house.

_Hóyas_, Wax-plant, seven species. All of them are climbing succulents, requiring plenty of heat and little water. _H. carnòsa_ is the finest flowering species of the genus, and known in our collections as the wax plant; the leaves are green and fleshy; the flowers are mellifluous, five parted, and in pendulous bunches, slightly bearded, and have every appearance of a composition of the finest wax; of a blush colour. _H. crassifòlia_ has the best looking foliage, and the flowers are white. The former will keep in the Green-house, but will not flower so profusely.

_Hernándias_, Jack-in-a-box. The species are rare, except _H. sonòra_, which is an elegant looking plant, when well grown; the leaves are peltate, cordate, accuminate, smooth; flowers white, and in panicles; the fruit a nut. The English name is said to have been given, in allusion to the small flowers and large leaves of the plant. A great heat is required to grow it well.

_Ipomæas_, a genus of tropical climbing plants, nearly allied to _Convolvúlus_, but of greater beauty. _I. paniculàta_ has large purple flowers in panicles, with large palmated smooth leaves. _I. Jálapa_ is the true jalap of the druggists, but not worthy of any other remark. _I. grandiflòra_, large white flowers, with acute petals; leaves large, cordate, ovate. _I. pulchélla_ has flowers of a handsome violet colour. They are all easily cultivated. It is said that _I. tuberòsa_ is much used in the West Indies to cover arbours, and will grow three hundred feet in one season; the flowers are purple striped with yellow, leaves palmated. We are not certain but the roots of this kind may be kept like the sweet potato, and become a useful ornament to our gardens.

_Ixòras_, a genus of fine flowering plants, and does extremely well in our collections in comparison to the state they are grown in England. The genus specifically is much confused amongst us, either from error originating with those who packed them for this country, or after they have arrived. _I. purpùrea_, leaves oblong, ovate, blunt; flowers crimson; it is now called _I. obavàta_. _I. crocàta_, leaves oval, lanceolate, narrowing towards the stem, smooth, underside of the leaf the nerves are very perceptible; flowers saffron coloured. _I. ròsea_, leaves large, regular, oblong, a little acute, very distant on the wood, centre nerve strong; flowers rose coloured in large corymbs, branching: _I. Bandhùca_, leaves very close to the stem, ovate, accuminate; nerves straight, middle nerve stronger than any other of the genus; flowers scarlet, corymbs crowded. _I. Blánda_, leaves small, lanceolate, ovate; flowers blush, cymes branching in three. _I. dichotìma_, leaves largest of the genus, ovate, accuminate, undulate, footstalk 3/8 of an inch long; whereas none of the leaves of the other species has footstalks of any length. It is now called _I. undulàta_, flowers are white. _I. grandiflòra_, leaves ovate, elongate, sessile; flowers in crowded corymbs, and scarlet; is called, _I. coccínea_ in the Botanical Magazine, by which it is known in our collections, and is the same as _I. strícta_. _I. flámmea_ and _I. speciòsa_, leaves oblong, subsessile; flowers scarlet, in round spreading dense corymbs. _I. fúlgens_, same as _I. longifòlia_ and _I. lanceolàta_; foliage glossy; flowers scarlet. _I. Pavétta_, the flowers are white, and said to be sweet-scented, the leaves of all the species are opposite; there are a few other species that we are not thoroughly acquainted with, but have been thus explicit to prevent error as far as possible in this beautiful genus. They are all evergreen, low growing shrubs; the plants grow best in Jersey black sandy earth, but flower most abundantly with half loam.

_Jacarándas_, a genus of beautiful shrubs, containing five species, with _Bignônia_-like blue or purple flowers. _I. mimòsifolia_ and _I. filicifòlia_ are the finest. The former has blue, and the latter purple flowers; in loose branching panicles. They are evergreen, and easy of culture.

_Jambòsas_, about twelve species, which have been principally taken from _Eugènia_, and contain its finest plants, and is a splendid genus of evergreen shrubs. _E. Jámbos_ is now _Jambòsa vulgàris_, which flowers and fruits freely in our Hot-houses. The fruit is about an inch in diameter, eatable, and smelling like a rose, hence called "Rose Apple." The petals of all the species are simple, and may rather be considered the calyx; the beauty of the flowers is in the many erect spreading stamens, either straw, white, rose, or green colour. _J. malaccénsis_, Malay Apple, is greatly esteemed for the delightful fragrance of its fruit. We frequently see _J. purpuráscens_, which is a native of the West Indies, going under _J. m._ which is an Asiatic species, with white flowers and entire oblong leaves; whereas the leaves of _J. p._ are small, ovate, accuminate, young shoots and leaves purple. _J. macrophylla_, white, and _J. amplexicaùlis_, green, have very large oblong, lanceolate leaves, and is of a strong woody habit. They are all easy of culture.

_Jasmìnum_, Jasmine, is a favourite genus of shrubs, for the exquisite fragrance of its flowers, of which none are more delightful than _J. Sàmbac_ or Arabian Jasmine. There are two other varieties of it, _J. S. múltiplex_, semi-double; and _J. S. trifòliatum_, Double Tuscan Jasmine. The latter requires a great heat to make it grow and flower freely. We suspect there is another variety in cultivation. _J. hirsùtum_ has cordate downy leaves; flowers many, in terminale, sessile umbels. _J. paniculàtum_, white, flowering in terminale panicles from March to November; leaves smooth, oval, obtusely accuminate; _plant scarce_. _J. simplicifòlium_ is in our collections under the name of _J. lucidum_; plant spreading; leaves oblong and shining. There are several other species, all with white flowers, and generally easy of culture.